Peter Henry Nolan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peter Henry Nolan. Peter died comfortably and in the arms of his family at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Friday, January 20th at 7:30 pm.

Peter was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on August 16th, 1936.

Despite having grown up through war and scarcity, Peter shared often magical stories of his youth. Leaving school at the age of 15, Peter became an apprentice French Polisher (wood finishing) working until he was required to perform his mandatory military service at the age of 21. In 1956 Peter entered the British Military. After a period of transition it was here where he described a shift in how he saw the world and himself and developed his way of realizing fulfilment and building community.

Peter led his military unit in soccer, boxing and rugby gaining a reputation as a strong and competitive athlete. It was here he would develop what would be a lifelong love for sport. Peter achieved the rank of Sergeant before leaving the military in 1958. Entering back into Civilian life Peter spent time travelling around Europe before finding work at a printing shop in Edinburgh for a number of years. At 32, Peter sought the promise of a new life overseas leaving Broomielaw, Glasgow for Canada. He landed in Quebec City and moved on to Ottawa, Ontario in 1966. Pete joined the Ottawa Irish Rugby Club, from 1967 to 1974. It was here where he made many lifelong friends and met the love of his life, Corinna. Together they started a life in Canada with Pete working at the Royal Canadian Mint. In 1974 not long after they married, both he and Corinna moved to Winnipeg where Pete had accepted a new position with the Mint that had just been built.

Peter was quick to put down roots again in Winnipeg making more life time friends through work and in the St. Vital area where they settled. Sport was also at the fore front of his growing groups of friendships. Peter coached soccer and became heavily involved in the Rugby community. Peter was a long standing member of the Winnipeg Wasps Rugby Club as a player and holding a number of positions on the executive committee. In 2018 Pete was recognized by his peers and inducted into the Manitoba Rugby Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. Pete loved the game and the community of people that played it.

Pete is survived by his wife of 49 years, his daughter Catherine (Jonathan), his son Patrick (Adrienne) and his 4 grandchildren Paige, Charlie, George and Kate. He leaves behind his Brothers Charles (Diana), Brian (Crystal) and his sisters Angela and Margaret. His nephews Charles, Andy and Alistair, Alan, Ian and Derek, Christian and Dirk. His nieces Gillian and Helen. His sister in law Mirabel and nieces Jane, Ann, Kate (Peter) and Helen (Peter).

Peter led a glorious life, with dreams fulfilled in everything that matters. He travelled to many places and made the life he wanted for himself and his family. He was an unfiltered soul and a friend to many.

A celebration of life will be organized in the coming months.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Nolan family.